Getting Started on the Mustard Jeans + Oiling My Buttonholer

Readers, it is so very important to maintain our sewing tools if they are to perform for us at their best.

NO YOU DIDN'T! -- Tan Shirt Version 4.0

Remember the two long fish-eye darts I added to my tan shirt when I first made it?

Feeling low? Buy a new hat!

Is there anything more uplifting than buying a new hat?

One More Tweak, or "Tan Shirt Version 3.0"

You probably thought I was finished with this shirt.

But last night I realized there was something else missing: pocket flaps!

Tan Shirt Version 2.0 + Staying Sharp!

Readers, I know the changes are subtle -- a muted purple inside collar stand attached to a regular collar -- but I like this version of my tan shirt much more than the earlier one.  I've decided I'm not really into shirts with just collar bands; my neck's too long for them, or my face is too narrow.  Or something.

Getting My Gingham On

Today I revisited my Singer 66 treadle.

I haven't treadled in a while and I thought I might use it to make my gingham shirt.  It's such fun to use and stitches so beautifully.  My 66 dates from 1920 and uses back-clamping feet.  I own quite a few, fortunately (more than I actually use).

"For the Princess in Every Man!" + Reworking an Old Shirt

Whatever happened to princess seams in menswear?

FACT or FICTION: gingham on the bias is headache-inducing

Is it just me, or is gingham on the bias hard on the eyes?

Good-bye, Blue Lady

Readers, if I'm a little emotional right now, you'll understand.

Flea Market Temptations or "Get thee behind me, Satan"

Yes, this is a vintage sewing machine purchased yesterday at the Chelsea Flea Market.

The Declutterer's Dilemma: When to Donate? When to Sell?

The more I ditch, the more I realize this is not just about a book here, an old scarf there.  I would honestly like to be rid of more than half the things I own!

Thursday Ditch and B*tch

Thursday and still ditching.  Not the most productive day of my life, but not the least either.  Plus, who says you always have to be productive?

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back or "Curbside Sewing Machine SCORE!"

Day 3 of ditching and I've experienced a setback, readers!

Out With the Old, In With the New???

Tuesday -- Day 2 -- and the ditching continues.

This oversized black hat makes me look like a guy who might sell you camera equipment at B&H Photo, let's leave it at that.  Off to the Salvation Army it goes! 

The Return of the Daily Ditch or "Get it OUT"

Friends, I know it may seem strange to follow a post about finding treasures in the trash with one about tackling my increasingly overwhelming clutter, but so be it.